protasis

 
Pronunciation: /ˈprɒtəsɪs/

noun (plural protases /-siːz/)

Grammar
  • the clause expressing the condition in a conditional sentence (e.g. if you asked me in if you asked me I would agree). Often contrasted with apodosis.

Origin:

late 16th century: via Latin from Greek protasis 'proposition', from pro 'before' + teinein 'to stretch'